Millions of people were vaccinated against COVID-19, and while this offered some protection against the novel coronavirus, it doesn’t translate to the seasonal flu. Many people wonder if they still need the flu shot after having received the COVID-19 shot. It’s important to remember that even though there is some overlap of symptoms between these two illnesses, they are two separate conditions and their respective vaccines don’t confer cross-immunity. So, even if you got the COVID-19 vaccines, you may still want to consider the flu shot this year.
As is usual with most years, the young, elderly, and immunocompromised are the priority groups for vaccination against the flu. If you are in a high-risk category you likely get a yearly flu shot already, but if not, now’s the time to begin. The influenza vaccine is a great way to give yourself and your loved ones additional protection. Symptoms of the flu can range in severity, but for those who are high-risk, including those with chronic metabolic diseases, symptoms can be life-threatening. It’s estimated that up to 650,000 deaths every year are associated with influenza, so it is always an illness to take seriously.
Even as we head into the holiday season, it’s not too late to get your flu shot. While most medical professionals recommend getting vaccinated early in the season (typically Sept or Oct), there is still a benefit to getting the vaccine before the peak of flu season, which is usually around the holidays and through the winter.
If you are someone who works face-to-face with the public, your employer may recommend getting the flu vaccine. And this is a wise thing to do to help slow the spread of these communicable diseases. Getting vaccinated may also give you greater peace of mind if you are in frequent contact with many different people.
Ready to get your flu shot this year? Come down to DuPage Immediate Care or schedule your same-day appointment online!